Chapter 11 - Oh the Stars Shine Bright … And the Mood Is Right
It wasn't often that Amelia found herself at a loss for words, as she usually had quick retort for just about everything, but upon entering Doppler's study, she was rendered speechless.
At a cursory glance, she was taken aback by the sheer size of it all. Its high ceilings extended upwards, 50 feet, at least. But what struck her most was the extensive collection of clutter that littered every available floor space. Stacks of books were strategically placed around the room, volume upon volume teetering precariously on one another, looking as if they could topple with one, well-placed sneeze.
Amelia shuddered. Years of meticulous housekeeping, combined with the pristine condition she maintained the Legacy, made her want to immediately start tossing everything in to a waste receptacle, probably seven or eight with the size of his mess.
Doppler noticed Amelia's pained expression and chuckled nervously.
"You'll have to excuse the study. It's a little messy. I've been meaning to organize it, but it always seems to get put on hold."
Amelia raised one perfect eyebrow in disbelief. "A little messy?"
"It's not as bad as it was," he stated in his defense, "I tried to tidy up a bit."
"If this is tidy, Doctor, I shudder to consider what messy was." She stopped as her gaze landed on an old photograph hanging precariously on the wall. It was of a young man suspiciously dressed in what looked like to be an old sailing uniform.
"My great, great uncle William," he told her, following her gaze.
"So there's hope for you, yet?" Amelia teased.
Delbert's eyes widened in alarm. "I hardly think so. My great uncle William was the adventurer of the family. He struck out on his own when he was 16, defying his father's wishes. I could never be so bold."
"You don't give yourself enough credit."
Delbert had no comment for that, so he settled on pointing her towards the monumental stairway. "The observatory's up there."
Amelia's gaze flickered up toward the upper half of the room and a satisfied smile bloomed across her features. "My surprise wouldn't have anything to do with the telescope you kept rattling on about during the voyage, would it?"
"Quite possibly," Delbert grinned, pleased she had caught on. "Are you up for it? I apologize, as it's a bit of a walk."
"I'm game, Delbert. Lead on."
"Oh no, I insist. Ladies first. I'll bring up the rear. I'd hate for you to miss a step."
From the look Amelia gave him, Delbert doubted she'd be missing any steps, but he wanted to make certain nothing could happen that would mar their wonderful evening.
The climb to the top of Delbert's observatory was long, and the two enjoyed the trek mostly in companionable silence, their hallway conversation satisfying them both for the time being.
Every now and then, Amelia would offer a verbal spar to Delbert, who in turn, would fumble for a moment before settling on what he deemed a correct reply. He found the whole exchange intoxicating and somewhat amusing. The woman certainly kept him on his toes. And having deigned to take the rear of the trek upward, he was being afforded a rather nice view -- an opinion he thought best to keep to himself.
Amelia was a bit winded when the finally reached the top, but any complaint was quickly replaced by wonderment when she chanced to peek out the far window up top, all thoughts of the telescope quickly forgotten. The vast expanse of the sea lay before her, shrouded in fog, except for the single beam of moonlight that had broken through to cast a silver glow against the breaking waves.
"Delbert, this is beautiful."
"Captivating," Delbert nodded, focused solely on Amelia, he too forgetting the initial reason in coming there.
"Have you ever seen anything so perfect?"
"Never."
Puzzled by the tone in his voice, Amelia turned away from the window and glanced at Doppler.
"Delbert, you're not even looking out the window," she admonished.
"No, I'm not," he admitted, taking a cautious step closer toward her.
"You're missing out."
"No, I'm not." Another step.
"How do you know you're not?"
He glanced out the window carelessly. "I've seen the view many a time. I can call it to memory. But this," he smiled broadly. "This is something wholly new," he informed her, pressing his palms to hers and bringing them to his chest.
She glanced down at their interlaced fingers and Delbert's now very-close proximity.
"Delbert, I'm rather embarrassed to tell you this, but I'm a bit nervous. I don't do this very often."
He laughed softly. "I should hope not."
Amelia frowned. "That's not what I meant. I'm trying to tell you that I haven't been in a relationship for quite some time."
"I suspect it's been even longer for me."
"Are you certain about that?"
"Quite certain."
"And you base this upon what precisely?"
Delbert rolled his eyes and turned his palms up in disbelief. "Amelia, look at me. I'm a scientist. I'm set in my ways. I'm certainly not the fashion trendsetter. My idea of a pleasant evening is to curl up by the fireplace poring over star charts. I'm no great catch," he finished, no trace of self pity in his voice. He was merely telling her facts with scientific precision.
"You, on the other hand," he continued, pausing to push back an errant lock of hair that had fallen to caress her brow, "You're stunning. A strong woman, intelligent, witty, confident --"
"And not the saint you paint me to be," Amelia interrupted. Her eyes softened and she took the final step needed to close the gap between them. "I'm hard headed, arrogant, set in my ways and sometimes have quite the nasty temper."
"Sometimes?"
"Tread lightly," was the warning issued with a gleam in her eyes. "And you," she continued, "are not the bumbling fool you seem to constantly perceive yourself as."
"Perhaps not."
"Perhaps not?"
A sigh of frustration escaped from her lips, and then a gleam appeared in her eye. Reaching down, she caught his hand in hers and guided it to her waist.
Delbert's eyes widened and he watched in quiet amazement as she proceeded to situate herself in his embrace. The playful thoughts he had only moments earlier quickly coalesced into muddled thoughts in less than the space of a heartbeat. Nothing at the University had ever prepared him for this -- a woman literally throwing herself in to his arms!
Amelia smiled in satisfaction as she watched the emotions dance across his face, waltzing from surprise to confusion and finally settling upon cautious optimism.
"What's the matter, Doctor? Cat got your tongue?" she asked with a delightfully wicked smile.
Oh gods, oh gods, I hope so! was the instant reply that flitted through his addled mind.
Never one to leap in to things --- Treasure Planet aside -- Doppler's first reaction was to pause and formulate a course of action. Fortunately for him, his second thought was much louder as it screamed "damn the formulation and just seize the day!" And for the first time in many years, Delbert actually listened.
His eyes slid shut and he leaned forward swiftly, pulling Amelia tightly to him.
Amelia, taken off guard, had no chance to even think before Delbert's lips gently covered hers and discovered the sweet taste that was distinctly Amelia.
The initial rigidity drained away from Delbert's stiff form as Amelia melted in to his embrace and brought her soft touch to caress one floppy ear.
It was wonderful. Her graduation from the Academy, the first time she took the helm of her own ship, the crisp feel of the Etherium's cosmic breeze – none compared to the kiss she was sharing with Delbert. It eclipsed even the grandest moments, filling her senses with a foreign emotion. Her eyes tightened and she found herself willfully falling deeper in to the sensations he was creating within her.
After what seemed only seconds, but had been in fact minutes, Delbert broke away, never taking his gaze off Amelia's face.
Her eyes were still closed, he noted with a stab of pleasure. He leaned forward and took advantage of that, quickly kissing her lips again, before softly asking, "Amelia?"
"Mmm?"
"That was very ... nice." A dopey grin found its way across his features.
Amelia's eyes opened lazily and Delbert found himself being drawn in to the pools of green, as her hand traced the outline of his jaw and moved down to his collarbone.
"I'd say it was more than simply nice," she purred.
"More than nice," he agreed, pleased beyond all expectations at the course their evening had taken.
Amelia nuzzled deeper in his embrace. "More than nice."
They stayed that way for quite some time, enjoying the newfound aspect of their relationship. But it was Amelia who finally pulled away and brought them back to reality, sighing that she really should get back to her ship.
"I'd much rather stay here with you," she assured a crestfallen Delbert. "But I do have duties to attend to. Even in space dock."
Delbert knew, as well as she did, that her first and foremost responsibility was to her ship and crew. Seeing that reflected in her eyes, he decided at that moment to never ask her to choose between him and that responsibility. He gathered her within his embrace and spoke softly against her hair.
"I realize you have an obligation to the Legacy, Amelia. And I won't keep you any longer. But," he continued, stepping away to gaze in to her eyes and offer a small smile, "It doesn't mean I have to like it."
"No more than I," she smiled.
"As long as we understand each other."
"Aye-aye," she laughed and took his hand. "Come Delbert. Right now I need a ride, and you're the only man for the job."
"I hope I'm the only man, period," he quipped.
Amelia stopped and tugged him back to where she stood. When she spoke, it was in a soft, but serious tone. "Delbert, I want you to know I'm not given to casual relationships, nor am I one to walk lightly in to a committed venture."
Delbert's eyes softened. "I know that, Amelia. And I think you know I'm of the same predisposition as you."
"I do know that."
"Good." A smile and then a broader one as her hand squeezed his and they resumed their walk to the stable to retrieve Delilah.
The ride back to the Legacy was made in silence, each occupant of the quaint carriage enjoying the contented companionship only recently discovered.
It wasn't until Delbert brought them alongside the dock that Amelia recalled his earlier promise of the telescope.
"I never did get to look through your telescope."
Delbert frowned. "No, you didn't. I apologize. I guess we got a little, er ... sidetracked."
He blushed and Amelia smiled.
'That's quite all right. I had a delightful time. It was, by far, one of the better evenings I've had in a long time."
"Was it? Honestly?"
"Delbert, I can assure you I'm not given to making casual statements. I meant what I said. I have a wonderful evening." Her gentle rebuke veiled within the compliment was precisely what Delbert's fragile ego needed. As a smile blossomed across his canine features, he took her hands between his and brought her to him.
"I'm so very glad," he smiled. "We should do this again?" he asked, a questioning note belying the casual tone in which he asked.
"Yes," she nodded. "And soon."
"Then I shall see you this weekend, hopefully."
"You're going to make me wait four more nights for another wonderful evening?" Her lips fell in to a small pout, so characteristic of small children, but completely out of character for the staunch Amelia Delbert had come to know. It took him a moment to realize she was jesting with him.
"Yes, four long night filled with anticipation," he winked, before adding, "It'll build character."
"Yours or mine?"
"Both."
"I see," she laughed. "Well if that's how you're going to be, I believe I shall take my leave of you for the evening and retire to my quarters."
"Here let me help you."
Amelia graciously accepted the hand offered and allowed him to help her down from the carriage and to the gangplank leading to the Legacy.
"Until this weekend then," she softly spoke, leaning in to place a tender kiss against his lips.
"Until this weekend."
He watched as she pulled away, their hands finally breaking free as she left him and disappeared in to the shadows of the Legacy. It had been a fantastic evening, one unparalleled by even his wildest imaginings. And to his delight, he realized it was only the beginning of what he was certain would be an exciting adventure in to a new chapter of his life.
The End
It's done, it's done, it's done. Thank you for being patient. Life got a hold of me and took for me a ride these past few months. Check back now and then, because there are some things I want to go back and fix, change up, etc. But thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. I've got another idea up my sleeve and partially written. So, stay tuned!
It wasn't often that Amelia found herself at a loss for words, as she usually had quick retort for just about everything, but upon entering Doppler's study, she was rendered speechless.
At a cursory glance, she was taken aback by the sheer size of it all. Its high ceilings extended upwards, 50 feet, at least. But what struck her most was the extensive collection of clutter that littered every available floor space. Stacks of books were strategically placed around the room, volume upon volume teetering precariously on one another, looking as if they could topple with one, well-placed sneeze.
Amelia shuddered. Years of meticulous housekeeping, combined with the pristine condition she maintained the Legacy, made her want to immediately start tossing everything in to a waste receptacle, probably seven or eight with the size of his mess.
Doppler noticed Amelia's pained expression and chuckled nervously.
"You'll have to excuse the study. It's a little messy. I've been meaning to organize it, but it always seems to get put on hold."
Amelia raised one perfect eyebrow in disbelief. "A little messy?"
"It's not as bad as it was," he stated in his defense, "I tried to tidy up a bit."
"If this is tidy, Doctor, I shudder to consider what messy was." She stopped as her gaze landed on an old photograph hanging precariously on the wall. It was of a young man suspiciously dressed in what looked like to be an old sailing uniform.
"My great, great uncle William," he told her, following her gaze.
"So there's hope for you, yet?" Amelia teased.
Delbert's eyes widened in alarm. "I hardly think so. My great uncle William was the adventurer of the family. He struck out on his own when he was 16, defying his father's wishes. I could never be so bold."
"You don't give yourself enough credit."
Delbert had no comment for that, so he settled on pointing her towards the monumental stairway. "The observatory's up there."
Amelia's gaze flickered up toward the upper half of the room and a satisfied smile bloomed across her features. "My surprise wouldn't have anything to do with the telescope you kept rattling on about during the voyage, would it?"
"Quite possibly," Delbert grinned, pleased she had caught on. "Are you up for it? I apologize, as it's a bit of a walk."
"I'm game, Delbert. Lead on."
"Oh no, I insist. Ladies first. I'll bring up the rear. I'd hate for you to miss a step."
From the look Amelia gave him, Delbert doubted she'd be missing any steps, but he wanted to make certain nothing could happen that would mar their wonderful evening.
The climb to the top of Delbert's observatory was long, and the two enjoyed the trek mostly in companionable silence, their hallway conversation satisfying them both for the time being.
Every now and then, Amelia would offer a verbal spar to Delbert, who in turn, would fumble for a moment before settling on what he deemed a correct reply. He found the whole exchange intoxicating and somewhat amusing. The woman certainly kept him on his toes. And having deigned to take the rear of the trek upward, he was being afforded a rather nice view -- an opinion he thought best to keep to himself.
Amelia was a bit winded when the finally reached the top, but any complaint was quickly replaced by wonderment when she chanced to peek out the far window up top, all thoughts of the telescope quickly forgotten. The vast expanse of the sea lay before her, shrouded in fog, except for the single beam of moonlight that had broken through to cast a silver glow against the breaking waves.
"Delbert, this is beautiful."
"Captivating," Delbert nodded, focused solely on Amelia, he too forgetting the initial reason in coming there.
"Have you ever seen anything so perfect?"
"Never."
Puzzled by the tone in his voice, Amelia turned away from the window and glanced at Doppler.
"Delbert, you're not even looking out the window," she admonished.
"No, I'm not," he admitted, taking a cautious step closer toward her.
"You're missing out."
"No, I'm not." Another step.
"How do you know you're not?"
He glanced out the window carelessly. "I've seen the view many a time. I can call it to memory. But this," he smiled broadly. "This is something wholly new," he informed her, pressing his palms to hers and bringing them to his chest.
She glanced down at their interlaced fingers and Delbert's now very-close proximity.
"Delbert, I'm rather embarrassed to tell you this, but I'm a bit nervous. I don't do this very often."
He laughed softly. "I should hope not."
Amelia frowned. "That's not what I meant. I'm trying to tell you that I haven't been in a relationship for quite some time."
"I suspect it's been even longer for me."
"Are you certain about that?"
"Quite certain."
"And you base this upon what precisely?"
Delbert rolled his eyes and turned his palms up in disbelief. "Amelia, look at me. I'm a scientist. I'm set in my ways. I'm certainly not the fashion trendsetter. My idea of a pleasant evening is to curl up by the fireplace poring over star charts. I'm no great catch," he finished, no trace of self pity in his voice. He was merely telling her facts with scientific precision.
"You, on the other hand," he continued, pausing to push back an errant lock of hair that had fallen to caress her brow, "You're stunning. A strong woman, intelligent, witty, confident --"
"And not the saint you paint me to be," Amelia interrupted. Her eyes softened and she took the final step needed to close the gap between them. "I'm hard headed, arrogant, set in my ways and sometimes have quite the nasty temper."
"Sometimes?"
"Tread lightly," was the warning issued with a gleam in her eyes. "And you," she continued, "are not the bumbling fool you seem to constantly perceive yourself as."
"Perhaps not."
"Perhaps not?"
A sigh of frustration escaped from her lips, and then a gleam appeared in her eye. Reaching down, she caught his hand in hers and guided it to her waist.
Delbert's eyes widened and he watched in quiet amazement as she proceeded to situate herself in his embrace. The playful thoughts he had only moments earlier quickly coalesced into muddled thoughts in less than the space of a heartbeat. Nothing at the University had ever prepared him for this -- a woman literally throwing herself in to his arms!
Amelia smiled in satisfaction as she watched the emotions dance across his face, waltzing from surprise to confusion and finally settling upon cautious optimism.
"What's the matter, Doctor? Cat got your tongue?" she asked with a delightfully wicked smile.
Oh gods, oh gods, I hope so! was the instant reply that flitted through his addled mind.
Never one to leap in to things --- Treasure Planet aside -- Doppler's first reaction was to pause and formulate a course of action. Fortunately for him, his second thought was much louder as it screamed "damn the formulation and just seize the day!" And for the first time in many years, Delbert actually listened.
His eyes slid shut and he leaned forward swiftly, pulling Amelia tightly to him.
Amelia, taken off guard, had no chance to even think before Delbert's lips gently covered hers and discovered the sweet taste that was distinctly Amelia.
The initial rigidity drained away from Delbert's stiff form as Amelia melted in to his embrace and brought her soft touch to caress one floppy ear.
It was wonderful. Her graduation from the Academy, the first time she took the helm of her own ship, the crisp feel of the Etherium's cosmic breeze – none compared to the kiss she was sharing with Delbert. It eclipsed even the grandest moments, filling her senses with a foreign emotion. Her eyes tightened and she found herself willfully falling deeper in to the sensations he was creating within her.
After what seemed only seconds, but had been in fact minutes, Delbert broke away, never taking his gaze off Amelia's face.
Her eyes were still closed, he noted with a stab of pleasure. He leaned forward and took advantage of that, quickly kissing her lips again, before softly asking, "Amelia?"
"Mmm?"
"That was very ... nice." A dopey grin found its way across his features.
Amelia's eyes opened lazily and Delbert found himself being drawn in to the pools of green, as her hand traced the outline of his jaw and moved down to his collarbone.
"I'd say it was more than simply nice," she purred.
"More than nice," he agreed, pleased beyond all expectations at the course their evening had taken.
Amelia nuzzled deeper in his embrace. "More than nice."
They stayed that way for quite some time, enjoying the newfound aspect of their relationship. But it was Amelia who finally pulled away and brought them back to reality, sighing that she really should get back to her ship.
"I'd much rather stay here with you," she assured a crestfallen Delbert. "But I do have duties to attend to. Even in space dock."
Delbert knew, as well as she did, that her first and foremost responsibility was to her ship and crew. Seeing that reflected in her eyes, he decided at that moment to never ask her to choose between him and that responsibility. He gathered her within his embrace and spoke softly against her hair.
"I realize you have an obligation to the Legacy, Amelia. And I won't keep you any longer. But," he continued, stepping away to gaze in to her eyes and offer a small smile, "It doesn't mean I have to like it."
"No more than I," she smiled.
"As long as we understand each other."
"Aye-aye," she laughed and took his hand. "Come Delbert. Right now I need a ride, and you're the only man for the job."
"I hope I'm the only man, period," he quipped.
Amelia stopped and tugged him back to where she stood. When she spoke, it was in a soft, but serious tone. "Delbert, I want you to know I'm not given to casual relationships, nor am I one to walk lightly in to a committed venture."
Delbert's eyes softened. "I know that, Amelia. And I think you know I'm of the same predisposition as you."
"I do know that."
"Good." A smile and then a broader one as her hand squeezed his and they resumed their walk to the stable to retrieve Delilah.
The ride back to the Legacy was made in silence, each occupant of the quaint carriage enjoying the contented companionship only recently discovered.
It wasn't until Delbert brought them alongside the dock that Amelia recalled his earlier promise of the telescope.
"I never did get to look through your telescope."
Delbert frowned. "No, you didn't. I apologize. I guess we got a little, er ... sidetracked."
He blushed and Amelia smiled.
'That's quite all right. I had a delightful time. It was, by far, one of the better evenings I've had in a long time."
"Was it? Honestly?"
"Delbert, I can assure you I'm not given to making casual statements. I meant what I said. I have a wonderful evening." Her gentle rebuke veiled within the compliment was precisely what Delbert's fragile ego needed. As a smile blossomed across his canine features, he took her hands between his and brought her to him.
"I'm so very glad," he smiled. "We should do this again?" he asked, a questioning note belying the casual tone in which he asked.
"Yes," she nodded. "And soon."
"Then I shall see you this weekend, hopefully."
"You're going to make me wait four more nights for another wonderful evening?" Her lips fell in to a small pout, so characteristic of small children, but completely out of character for the staunch Amelia Delbert had come to know. It took him a moment to realize she was jesting with him.
"Yes, four long night filled with anticipation," he winked, before adding, "It'll build character."
"Yours or mine?"
"Both."
"I see," she laughed. "Well if that's how you're going to be, I believe I shall take my leave of you for the evening and retire to my quarters."
"Here let me help you."
Amelia graciously accepted the hand offered and allowed him to help her down from the carriage and to the gangplank leading to the Legacy.
"Until this weekend then," she softly spoke, leaning in to place a tender kiss against his lips.
"Until this weekend."
He watched as she pulled away, their hands finally breaking free as she left him and disappeared in to the shadows of the Legacy. It had been a fantastic evening, one unparalleled by even his wildest imaginings. And to his delight, he realized it was only the beginning of what he was certain would be an exciting adventure in to a new chapter of his life.
The End
It's done, it's done, it's done. Thank you for being patient. Life got a hold of me and took for me a ride these past few months. Check back now and then, because there are some things I want to go back and fix, change up, etc. But thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. I've got another idea up my sleeve and partially written. So, stay tuned!